first gen starter problem - verify solve

[jimnto]

Got this used first gen from Texas 3 yrs ago. Guy mentioned he had put in more than his fair share of starters but seemed to start at that time. Over the last few years I sometimes couldn't start but could hear the relays closing. Each time it would eventually start up until this summer.
New symptom. Starter would crank but never catch (no smell of gas). Just this weekend I finally found out when it cranked (without starting) there was no spark Oh yeah I had put in a used coil and ignitor module and still same problem.

Forgot to mention that when having problem A) (relay sound only) I could reach under the front wheel and jumper the solenoid to the starter with a wire and start it that way.. I could also bump start it (manual trans) with problem A - not with problem B.

By the way - the year before - I replaced the starter again and also the alternator. Many of the ground contacts had been reworked by doing these various jobs.

So finally - today I disassembled the electric contacts on the ignition switch (pulled the two copper disks out and dropped a ball bearing and everything) and I did find dirty black streaks that I cleaned and lightly buffed with emery.

Car starts everytime - but so far it has only been a day.

How I THE WORLD _ CAN I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE SOLVED MY STARTER PROBLEMS> I AM SO SICK OF BEING STRANDED AT RANDOM!

BTW I am in Toronto and may sell this truck soon. Good and not rusty.

 

[KidVermicious]

Problem A) - if you're able to start the rig by bypassing the solenoid, then there's trouble in the solenoid. Check the starter repair page at 4Crawler.com main page for lots of good troubleshooting. His ultimate solution is to install a Hotshot kit from Painless Wiring. Lots of other folks do the same.

Problem B) - no way of knowing if you've solved your no spark issue until it happens again, or doesn't. Consider carrying an extra battery or a portable power pack to jump yourself with.

Hope this helps.

 

[jimnto]

No spark due to something else

Thanks for the answer - when I get no spark - it isn't because there is a shortage of power - I can crank all day. Some other part of the system isn't energized! Also - by jumping the solenoid - it isn't a solenoid problem - it is a logic circuit not telling the solenoid to engage.

But you have made me thing - it is 'post' relay. That is helpful. In the FSM it says could be ECU but I am not sure!!

Thanks though

JIm N

 

[SV_Dude]

Since you have a FSM, check out the EFI section. There's a part in there where it tells you how to bench test your ECU by testing resistance at certain terminals, ect. That may help you narrow down your search and find out what is not working. Most of the problems on my 4runner can be found just by using the FSM and a multimeter.